It's been a rough season to say the least for the Kansas City Royals, who currently sit comfortably in the bottom of the AL Central with a 45-62 record and 9.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. Every phase of this team has taken a clear step back, which is so disappointing for a team that had won 80-plus games each of the last two seasons.
Manager Matt Quatraro's job security is all of a sudden in question, as is the standing of many Royals players heading into the Aug. 3 trade deadline. However, this season hasn't been all bad. There have been some bright spots on this ballclub, and they're worth mentioning.
Both Bobby Witt Jr. and Michael Wacha were selected to this year's All-Star Game, Salvador Perez broke the franchise home run record, and youngster Jac Caglianone participated in the Home Run Derby, further endearing himself to fans across the country.
It was hard to pinpoint even three players who have been individually surprising stars, but even Kansas City has high-end baseball talent.
It's a lost 2026 season for the Royals, but the emergence of these three stars makes it easier to stomach
Michael Wacha
The 35-year-old longtime starting pitcher has been about as steady as they come ever since his arrival to the Royals in 2024. But this season alone, Wacha took another leap and made his first All-Star team in a decade. His 3.60 ERA, over 132 innings pitched, along with a 1.17 WHIP and 100-plus strikeouts, are more than impressive numbers and may even earn him a couple of Cy Young votes.
Despite the trade rumors this year, the Royals seem committed as ever to keeping Wacha around for the long haul, which is exhibited by his contract. He has another season with the Royals after this one as well as a club option in 2028. Wacha has been one of the very few reliable pitchers this year for KC.
Carter Jensen
At face value, Jensen's numbers don't pop off the screen. But it's what he's been able to provide the Royals roster as a whole and the burden he's taken off Perez as the now full-time catcher. In just his second pro season in Royal Blue, Jensen is hitting .240 with 14 homers, over 50 RBIs, and 83 hits.
He's become an integral part of the batting lineup and provides a plus player on the defensive side as well. Just turned 23, the budding Jensen should have a long, successful career, and hopefully one that sees him continue to play for his hometown team in Kansas City.
Jac Caglianone
I already mentioned how Caglianone was in the Home Run Derby this year. And that's his biggest strength. Hitting bombs. His 16 home runs this year lead the team, along with a .251 batting average, 87 hits, and 2.0 WAR (wins above replacement).
Also in his second year, Caglianone is a piece the Royals need to begin to build around alongside guys like Jensen and superstar Bobby Witt Jr. The 2024 sixth overall pick was an absolute home run selection by J.J. Picollo, who hasn't had a lot of them.
HM: Daniel Lynch IV
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